Table 1.

Communication skills exercise: objectives and goals for second year medical students

Objectives	Play the role of the primary physician communicating with the patient and addressing his or her concerns Receive feedback on their doctor–patient interaction from their peers, senior physicians, and patient teachers Discuss strategies for difficult conversations with their peers, senior physicians, and patient teachers Identify take home points from each case
Goals	Improve communication skills with patients Increase exposure to different physicians’ communication styles Gain direct feedback on communication skills from patients Develop strategies for difficult conversations